Abstract
Quality control procedures check either for dimensional accuracy or for particular performance characteristics of a product, but rarely for an integration of both. Dimensional accuracy is almost exclusively concerned with tolerance allowance, but functional characteristics are concerned with the nominal performance or state values. The consequence of such an approach is that the tolerance is not linked directly with the functional performance and, as such, is likely to convey the impression, if large variations are observed, that they are due to some intrinsic deviation in the product's performance or that there is an inconsistency within the material that is at fault.
This paper uses the production of plastic fuel and water pipe to illustrate the cumulative effects that quite sensible and economic tolerance allowances may have upon performance data.
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